Why is mental health awareness at work so important?

Why is mental health awareness at work so important?

Mental health is something we all possess. When it is good, we have a sense of purpose and direction and feel that we can cope with whatever life (and work) throws at us. But just as our physical health fluctuates, so too our mental health goes through ups and downs. An inclusive workplace is one where people feel able to bring their whole selves to work, and mental health has a critical part to play.

We all have tough times when we feel low, stressed or frightened. Usually, those feelings pass, but sometimes they develop into anxiety or depression. And some people have more complex, long-term mental health conditions, such as an eating disorder, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. All of these can affect our ability to engage and perform at work at a consistently high level.

Diagnosis is not always a predictor of an individual’s experience either, so as managers and colleagues it is important never to jump to conclusions. For example, some schizophrenics lead fully-functioning lives, while others living with anxiety are severely impacted by their condition.

Workplace wellbeing, then, refers to the business goal of being watchful of, and then improving on, the collective mental health of your workplace, so that everyone feels supported and included, particularly in the more difficult times.

Workplace Wellbeing

According to the mental health charity Mind, at any one time, at least one in six workers are experiencing common mental health problems, including anxiety and depression. Poor mental health is costing UK employers between £33-42 billion a year. If you a private sector employer, the cost to you is an average of more than £1,100 per employee each year.

Good mental health enables us to thrive. As individuals we understand this and now business leaders, too, are increasingly acknowledging the importance of wellbeing in the workplace.

Research studies provide strong evidence that companies with high levels of mental health awareness are more successful. Addressing wellbeing at work increases productivity by up to 12%. And, as reported in the government’s Stevenson-Farmer Review of Mental Health and Employers in 2017, businesses that invest in mental health interventions report an average of £4.20 return for each pound spent.

“As always prevention is better than cure”, says Ruth Cooper-Dickson. “We know that the average seven-day absence from works costs £8,000 and that 300,000 people leave their jobs every year due to serious mental health problems. Alongside the human toll is a cost to employers – the recruitment of a new team member costs an average £30,000 – so it is not so much whether your business can afford a mental health strategy, but more that it cannot afford not to have one.”

Mental awareness for managers – 5 signs to watch out for

91 million working days a year are lost to mental health issues – that’s an estimated cost of £35 billion to UK employers – but 67% of workers report feeling too scared or embarrassed to admit taking time out for mental health reasons.

“It is crucial that businesses are open and transparent about mental health, and that this starts at the top”, says Vix Anderton, EW Group’s course leader for Workplace Wellbeing for Managers.

“Leaders and managers have to lead by example in approaching difficult conversations with compassion and openness. Simple things like leaving the office on time and taking a lunch break can send a powerful message to your staff about the importance of their wellbeing. Providing training on mental health awareness will make your people feel more confident around the subject and highlight the policies and mechanisms you have in place to support them.”

If you’re a manager at work, here are some common signs that can surface in colleagues who are struggling with their mental health:

They may be making more mistakes than normal or having trouble with decision-making and concentration.

They may become more irritable and sensitive to criticism.

They may become increasingly absent or alternatively start work excessively, staying late and bypassing lunch breaks.

They may exhibit physical symptoms, such as being constantly tired or suffering from a cold that won’t go away.

They may take less care with their appearance or show signs of drinking alcohol to help them switch off in the evenings.

Learn more about our Workplace Wellbeing sessions

Rachael Wilson is the Managing Director of EW Group. Rachael has a natural flair for expertly pinpointing the sources organisations need to successfully design and deliver their business case for diversity. Rachael oversees all of EW Group’s client relationships. Rachael supports businesses across a variety of industries to enhance staff engagement, boost customer satisfaction, innovate, win new clients, attract and retain the best talent and drive genuine cultural change. With a keen eye for emerging industry trends, Rachael ensures EW Group’s work is firmly on the map both in the UK and globally.